HC Deb 23 September 1948 vol 456 cc1083-4
53. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Minister of Labour what action has been taken by his Department to attend to the welfare of the 24 E.V.Ws. now accommodated at The Grove, Rawfolds, Cleckheaton; and, in particular, whether he is satisfied that reasonable rents are being charged, and that the sanitary conditions, including the provision of one combined bathroom and W.C. for both sexes, need not be improved.

Mr. Isaacs

These workers took this accommodation on their own initiative. It is private accommodation for which I have no responsibility.

Mr. Sharp

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these European voluntary workers were placed in employment and given accommodation through his Department? Is he further aware that this accommodation is most unsatisfactory? In view of the fact that last year his Parliamentary Secretary informed the House that the authority for dealing with the welfare of European voluntary workers had been concentrated in his Department, what is he going to do about the welfare of these European voluntary workers?

Mr. Isaacs

I am not sure whether my hon. Friend has made an accidental mistake or not. He said these voluntary workers were placed in accommodation by the Ministry of Labour. So they were. But not in this accommodation. They were placed in accommodation; then of their own free will and accord they went to this private accommodation somewhere else. I do not think they are being fairly treated, but as they went themselves of their own desire we have no power to interfere. So far as the sanitation is concerned, it is not as bad as it is stated in the Question. It is bad enough, but not as bad as that. We have made inquiries, and the attention of the local authority has been drawn to it.

Mr. Henry Usborne

Is it the fact that the Minister has made available to them, if they will take it, alternative accommodation?

Mr. Isaacs

They had accommodation before from the Ministry, and they themselves, of their own free will, said they wanted to go from the one place and go to the other.

Mr. Sharp

Can my right hon. Friend say whether such accommodation is found anywhere near their place of employment?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, they were in accommodation provided for them. I am sorry my hon. Friend thinks I am trying to evade the question. I am not. They were in accommodation which was provided for them, and was satisfactory to them until somebody got hold of them and said, "Take accommodation elsewhere."